Emergency Medicine

SONOSIM SUMMARY: This new study from West JEM aimed to compare traditional instructor based FAST scan training to training performed on a novel portable ultrasound training simulator (The SonoSim® Ultrasound Training Solution). The randomized study indicated no statistical difference in FAST protocol aptitude between the training groups, supporting that a “novel portable US simulator may …

SONOSIM SUMMARY: This article from Academic Emergency Medicine provides an overview of the important role bedside ultrasound plays in the everyday activities of emergency physicians, and advocates for ultrasound as a key tool for improving clinical decision making and patient care. The authors mention several barriers to bedside ultrasound education and conclude that in order …

SONOSIM SUMMARY: In this study, physicians with no prior training in ultrasound-guided vascular access (UGVA) received UGVA training with either traditional didactic instruction, or with a Web-based procedural training program. After training was complete, participant UGVA aptitude was accessed. Results showed no significant differences in mean objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) or written test scores, …

SONOSIM SUMMARY: In this prospective study, injuries of the foot that demonstrated fifth metatarsal tenderness were imaged with both ultrasound and plain radiographs in an attempt to gauge the accuracy of ultrasound for the detection of fifth metatarsal fractures. Ultrasound ultimately exhibited a high sensitivity and specificity for fifth metatarsal fractures in comparison plain radiographs, …

SONOSIM SUMMARY: This study assesses the interrater reliability of emergency medicine residents using ultrasound to measure inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter. Interrater reliability was notably higher when IVCs were positioned more anteriorly, and increased as residents performed more ultrasounds over the course of the study. Results suggest that emergency medicine residents are equipped to measure …

SONOSIM SUMMARY: This article touches on several of the procedural applications of bedside ultrasound, and how bedside ultrasound improves patient care through error reduction. Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement is noted to be among the highest rated patient safety practices, as it allows the physician to precisely locate vessels and surrounding structures, and confirm that …

SONOSIM SUMMARY: Medlej and Lewiss examine the relative merits of pursuing Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDMS) certification, from an emergency medicine perspective. Terms frequently associated with ultrasonography including competency, credentialing, accreditation, and certification are differentiated. The article delves into the pros and cons of RDMS certification for emergency physicians with a special interest in ultrasonography. …